If you’re not familiar with the ministry of Pastor John Stott (1921-2011), then you’re missing out. Last year while on vacation I read Roger Steer’s illuminating biography on John Stott titled: “Basic Christian The Inside Story of John Stott”. My first introduction to the work of Rev. John Stott was through his magnum opus, “The Cross of Christ” which served as one of our text books in Dr. MacLeod’s Soteriology class at Emmaus Bible College. The book is a classic in every sense of the word as its

As I preached through the Gospel of John from Nov. 2009 to Aug. 2011 I found R.C. Sproul’s commentary on the Gospel unequaled in its balance of deep theological teaching and practical application. This commentary was always in my study as I prepared sermons for the Church’s edification. Dr. Sproul penned this commentary as a direct result of his preaching labors from the pulpit of St. Andrew’s Church in Sanford, FL. I have a great amount of respect for Dr. Sproul and have benefited from his ministry.

As useful and challenging as Dr. Sproul’s writings are it is important to remember that they do come from a Covenant Theologian’s bent. So it should not surprise one that when Dr. Sproul comments on the Apostle John’s account of the Lord’s washing of His disciple’s feet in Jn. 13 that he connects this event with Baptism, an observation which left me scratching my head (p.243). Nor should it surprise one that Dr. Sproul calls Dispensationalism a “novelty theology that arose in the nineteenth century…” (p. 284), which isn’t all that charitable. It would perhaps have been more accurate to say that Dispensationalism is a theology that arose in the nineteenth century that a novel few take quite seriously. = ) May we Christians learn to get along before we meet our Father.

That being said, it is important for the Christian to note that just about every bible teacher is teaching from some kind of bent.

All and all, I highly recommend that R.C. Sproul’s warm and engaging commentary on the Gospel of John make its way into your theological library!